About the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document issued by Westmorland and Furness Council which describes a child or young person’s special educational needs, the help they need, and who must provide that help. This supports them to succeed in education and take part in their wider community. An EHCP is for children and young people aged 0-25. It ensures all of their education, health and social care needs (if present) are described in one document, to make sure that the child or young person receives the support they need.
An EHCP identifies what the longer-term outcomes are for the child or young person and what support is needed to achieve them. An EHCP must be reviewed every twelve months as a minimum to ensure that it is still up-to-date and reflects the needs and support required. An EHCP must reflect the wishes and feelings of the child or young person and their parents/carers, if they are under 16.
Does my child need an EHCP?
Most children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will have their needs met by universal services in their community and at SEND support level in school. However, some children and young people have needs which mean they need more support than a school or education setting can normally provide. These children and young people may need an assessment for the Council to determine if they need an EHCP to support their needs. This is known as an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA).